From the mid-19th to the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization that was founded on the key industrial sectors of shipbuilding, iron and steel, and coal mining.

The Architectural Work on Le Corbusier

IN TOKYO

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The Architectural Work on Le CorbusierIN TOKYO

The 17 sites comprising a transnational serial property consisting of more than seven countries, are a testimonial to the invention of a new architectural language that made a break with the past.

Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

IN FUKUOKA

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Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata RegionIN FUKUOKA

Located 60 km off the western coast of Kyushu island, the island of Okinoshima is an exceptional example of the tradition of worshipping a sacred island. The island is also home to beautifully preserved archaeological sites from the 4th to the 9th centuries AD.

GUSUKU SITES OF THE KINGDOM OF RYUKYU

IN OKINAWA

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GUSUKU SITES OF THE KINGDOM OF RYUKYUIN OKINAWA

During the 15th to 16th centuries, Okinawa was not excluded from the Sengoku (provincial war) era, and numerous, magnificent castles were constructed. Only the stone walls and ruins, however, survive to date.

IWAMI GINZAN SILVER MINE

IN SHIMANE

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IWAMI GINZAN SILVER MINEIN SHIMANE

Silver was produced from this mine since the early 16th century. At its peak, it is estimated that about two thirds of all the silver in circulation throughout the world came from Iwami Ginzan. The heritage site features the streets of an old mining town.

HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL

IN HIROSHIMA

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HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIALIN HIROSHIMA

The remains of the Hiroshima Dome after the atomic bombing has been preserved to express the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.

ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE

IN HIROSHIMA

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ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINEIN HIROSHIMA

Built on an island shore, the shrine appears as if to be floating on the sea at high tide. It was built with the Shinden-zukuri style, a domestic architectural style developed for aristocratic mansions during the 10th – 11th centuries. The shrine’s garden becomes flooded with seawater at high tide.

HIMEJI CASTLE

IN HYOGO

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HIMEJI CASTLEIN HYOGO

Most Japanese castles existing today were built during the Sengoku era of the 16th century, amongst which, Himeji Castle is known as the most beautiful example. It is often called Shirasagi-jo, which means “white heron” in Japanese.

SACRED SITES AND PILGRIMAGE ROUTES IN THE KII MOUNTAIN RANGE

Japan has an ancient tradition of mountain worship, incorporating the teachings of both Buddhism and Shintoism with harsh ascetic training that takes place deep in the mountains. The Kii Mountain range is one of these places where tracks and paths used for these religious training purposes are still preserved. Even today, many pilgrims visit this area.

HORYU-JI

IN NARA

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HORYU-JIIN NARA

Built in the 7th century, it is the oldest surviving wooden building in the world. Shotoku Taishi, who built this temple, is also known for establishing diplomatic relations with the Chinese Sui Dynasty.

HISTORIC MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT NARA

IN NARA

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HISTORIC MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT NARAIN NARA

Nara was the capital of Japan before Kyoto. Temples of Buddhism, which had just been introduced from China at the time, comprise the main components of the Heritage site. Amongst them is Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world.

HISTORIC MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT KYOTO

IN KYOTO

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HISTORIC MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT KYOTOIN KYOTO

Kyoto used to be the capital and cultural center of Japan from the late 8th to the mid-19th century. The heritage consists of 17 buildings, from shrines that date back to the early days when the capital was first established to Nijo Palace, which was constructed in the 16th century.

SHIRAKAWA-GO AND GOKAYAMA

IN GIFU

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SHIRAKAWA-GO AND GOKAYAMAIN GIFU

Famous for their large, wooden Gassho-style houses where large families live together and lead a traditional way of life.

MOUNT FUJI

IN SHIZUOKA / YAMANASHI

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MOUNT FUJIIN SHIZUOKA / YAMANASHI

Mount Fuji is not only the highest mountain in Japan reaching a magnificent 3,776 m, but it has also long been the object of pilgrimages and a source of inspiration for numerous Japanese art forms, including literature, paintings and drama.

TOMIOKA SILK MILL

IN GUNMA

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TOMIOKA SILK MILLIN GUNMA

This is the first modern silk mill complex constructed in Japan. Silk grew into a principal industry that drove the modernization of Japan.

NIKKO

IN TOCHIGI

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NIKKOIN TOCHIGI

Celebrates Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Pax Tokugawa, as a divine figure. The main component of the heritage site was constructed in the 17th century and is said to have been influenced by the Baroque style of the Western world.

HIRAIZUMI

IN IWATE

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HIRAIZUMIIN IWATE

The Pure Land of Buddha, the Buddhist ideological utopia, is represented by architectural building designs and gardens built by the Fujiwara Clan, headed by Fujiwara-no-Kiyohira, a warlord of the 12th century.